Politics
Edo 2024: Reward My Loyalty With Guber Ticket, Agbomhere Begs APC
A frontline aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming Governorship election in Edo state, Dr Blessing Agbomhere has urged the leadership of the party to reward his loyalty with the party’s ticket.
The letter addressed to the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, Agbomheresaid he should be rewarded with the tickets for this year’s Edo gubernatorial election.
Agbomhere who is the current South South Zonal Organising Secretary said it is in the habit of President Bola Tinubu to reward loyalty and dedication to the party adding that his request to be given the party’s ticket is not out of place.
“I am Blessing Agbomhere, a committed, dedicated, passionate and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress, from Polling Unit 6, Ward 1, Unone Village, Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo North in Edo State and the current APC South-South Organizing Secretary.
“I have been in the practice of Journalism, Public Relations, Edutainment and developmental politics for the past 24 years, out of my 44 years of living for Nigeria; and a profession whose earnings and influence I have used to support many communities, individuals, my Party and leaders in nation building and governance for the common good of the Nigerian people.
“At the peak of my career as a media and security consultant, and with my personal resources, I have supported young people and women with grants for skills’ acquisition, scholarship and entrepreneurship. To mention a few things from the many community services I have rendered; I have done constantly for years, hospital visitations, providing food for the sick and paying medical bills. I have done free medical outreach in Edo North communities of Okpella, Auchi, Jattu, Aviele, Agenebode and Fugar, and many other communities. I donated a 44 bed Hostel to Itseoghena Orphanage in Jattu Community when I discovered in 2017 that the facility accommodating the children was too small for their comfort.
“I donated a 16-seater Toyota Hiace Bus to the Avhianwu Traditional Council in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State to ensure that they function effectively in discharging their cultural obligations. I have bulldozed and graded the Ughiogwa Farm Road in Fugar to enable farmers and traders unhindered access to their means of livelihood. I have provided free writing materials to students in various communities of Edo. I have rendered community services in Surulere Lagos, Marina and Cacemco Beach, Calabar, in Port Harcourt, Mpape, Agwadodo and Kuchigoro in FCT, Isiuwa in Benin City, Ujiogba Community in Esanland, Ibviaru Community in Owan, Ugbogbo in Akoko Edo, Yenuzue Gene and Azikoro Villages in Bayelsa State and Bama in Borno State.
“It gives me immeasurable joy to help the needy. I have also empowered many young women across Nigeria to live the good life because I am a good man with a golden heart. I like to see others happy as I believe my happiness is found in the happiness of others. I have helped many Edo people and non-Edo people to succeed in education, business, skills acquisition, politics, entrepreneurship and public employment. As a youth, I have been useful to many people and communities in Edo State and outside Edo State. I have never held any government or public office, but from my personal pocket, I have made sacrifices to building communities and individuals because I strongly believe that the best investment anyone can make is empowering others to succeed and contributing to public good for the collective well-being of every one in the society. If I could do all I have done with my personal resources, when I am elected Governor of Edo State, there is no iota of doubt that I will apply Edo resources to the development of the State and her people. Notwithstanding the above, my contributions to the successes of the All Progressives Congress deserve commendation, appreciation and reward, as as such I should be given the Governorship Ticket of the All Progressives Congress to fly the party’s flag in Edo State Governorship Election,” Agbomhere said adding that it is common knowledge that despite all the antics and betrayal by some politicians in Edo State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu won the Presidential election in the state.
“Examining the three Senatorial Districts that make up Edo State, Bola Tinubu got 88,527 Votes in Edo North (Afenmai), 38,392 Votes in Edo South (Benin) and 17,558 Votes in Edo Central (Esan). The people of Edo North, under the leadership of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda and voted for Senator Bola Tinubu to emerge the President of Nigeria. Edo North gave the highest number of votes to Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win.
“As the South-South Organizing Secretary, I worked hard to ensure we won. Thank God, Bola Ahmed Tinubu rewards commitment and loyalty to Party. By demonstrating loyalty to Party and commitment to Bola Tinubu’s victory, I, Blessing Agbomhere from Edo North, and the Highest Ranking Party Officer in the race, deserve and merit the Governorship Ticket of the Party.
“Amongst other committed leaders and members of the Party, as the South-South Zonal Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, I worked committedly and dedicatedly, across all the Wards in the South-South, Edo and Edo North in particular to ensure victory for all the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Bassey Otu.
“I have always worked for the All Progressives Congress from the days of Action Congress (AC) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to win. I was amongst the Afenmai Community youth leaders, as Public Relations Officer of Omoto Youths Forum, who canvassed for votes for and defended Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s mandate in 2007. In 2011, I was Edo State Coordinator for ACN Presidential Candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. In 2012, I worked assiduously for the re-election of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who deserved to be re-elected considering his commitment to rebuilding a new Edo State.
“Despite all my contributions, I have never been offered the opportunity to work for my State through the government. I decided to seek an elected office that will put me in a good position to work for the people. In 2016, when I ran for the Edo Governorship Primary under the APC, Governor Obaseki and Philip Shuaibu were chosen over me. When they abandoned our Party, I stood with the Party. In 2017, I contested the House of Representatives Primary, another person was chosen. When he abandoned the Party, I stood with the Party. I have committed my expertise, resources to supporting the APC in Edo and across the Nation. I have worked for the Party. The Party must reward loyalty and commitment by engaging me, Blessing Agbomhere, a true party man who has worked for the Party, to fly the party’s flag in the coming Governorship Election,” he said.
The letter to Gandujere read further: “I want to work for the people of Edo and Nigeria. The Party has to give me the opportunity to work for my State. Everybody likes APC today because we won. As I have supported the Party and the leaders to succeed; this is the time for the Party and its leaders to give me the Governorship Ticket and support me to win. With President Tinubu’s good governance performance and Governor Obaseki and his deputy Shuaibu’s failure, the APC has become a darling of Edo people and this has put us in a better position to win back the State with me as the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2024 Edo Governorship Election. As a former National President of the Law Students’ Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), the current Chairman of the LAWSAN Board, the South-South Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Director General of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, I have built relationships, I have acquired knowledge and I have studied so many fields of human endeavours to know the need for development and the art of development. Acquired knowledge not deployed is a waste.
“I need an opportunity in an executive office to put my acquired knowledge to use to help my State, my Country and her people.
As a chartered arbitrator armed with a Bachelors and Masters of Law, an associate member of the National Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Director, Corporate, Intergovernmental and Strategic Commerce of the African Bar Association, a Certified Security Manager from the International Institute of Professional Security, IIPS, Nigeria, a Supernumerary Chief Superintendent of Police, Nigerian Police Force, a Regulatory Compliance Manager, a Corporate Intelligence Specialist, an author of many books and an Honorary Doctor of Public Policy from the American Heritage University of Southern California, United States of America, I have acquired the pedigree, necessary training, influence and affluence to take Edo State to a level of creativity and innovation that will rescue, sweep and reset the State to serve and benefit its citizens.
“I swear, as Executive Governor, Edo State will witness the rekindling of the massive growth and development sparked by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s administration in a new dimension. My Chairman, I apply to be given the APC Governorship Ticket. Please, for the sake of the unborn generation of our dear State, engage and employ me to work for our dear State. Thank you in anticipation of your kind consideration,” the letter added, with copies addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary, All Progressives Congress, His Excellency, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Nigerian Senate, His Excellency, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, His Excellency, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum, His Excellency, Sen. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Edo State, Senator Representing Edo North and father of the New Edo State, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rt. Honourable Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rt. Honourable Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Leaders and members of the APC and the good people of Edo state.
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
Local government chairmen in Kaduna State have reaffirmed their commitment to Governor Uba Sani, pledging political support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The chairman of the state’s chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Jamilu Albani, made the declaration on Wednesday night after an Iftar dinner hosted by Governor Sani for all 23 council chairmen and their deputies.
Albani, who also chairs Sabon Gari Local Government, said the council leaders were committed to reciprocating the governor’s political goodwill, which contributed to their electoral victories.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, and through the support of His Excellency, we were elected as chairmen of our various local governments,” he said.
He commended Governor Sani for granting local governments autonomy and assisting them politically, including funding party officials and distributing palliatives at the grassroots. According to Albani, the previous administration neglected party officials at the local level, giving them only 9,000 naira throughout its tenure.
“So, come 2027, we will reciprocate the governor’s kind gesture by ensuring our people vote massively for him. Political opponents who think they can defeat him will suffer the worst defeat of their lives,” he vowed.
Governor Sani, in his address, underscored the role of local government in governance and grassroots development.
“Local government is the foundation of politics,” he said. “I advise you to execute developmental projects, attend to people’s needs, and share the little you have with them.”
He assured the council chairmen of continued state government support, emphasizing that all interventions would be channeled through them. However, he urged them to serve all constituents equally, cautioning against favoritism.
The reaffirmation of loyalty by ALGON chairmen comes as Kaduna’s political landscape takes shape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on media and policy, has claimed that Peter Obi, Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, will soon leave the party.
Speaking in an interview on TVC on Wednesday, Bwala said the former governor of Anambra state will join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Do you know we are emptying the Labour Party? Not because we are asking them to come. Valentine Ozigbo has joined us, Balami has joined us, even Peter Obi will join us,” Bwala said.
“Peter Obi will not run in the Labour Party. For Valentine Ozigbo to come to our party — Valentine Ozigbo is actually the custodian of Peter Obi — then I know for a fact that Peter Obi will join us.”
Bwala described the defection of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state, from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as “insignificant”.
He accused the SDP of orchestrating weekly announcements to dominate news headlines.
“You see, after one or two weeks of this mini-dramatic activity — because the way they scheme these things is that every week, you will hear a breaking news story that ‘a gladiator has joined SDP’ — so they will dominate the media space,” he said.
“By the time the two weeks is over and they are able to enjoy this momentary coverage, when they sit down they’ll start fighting over who will be president or vice-president.
“The reason El-Rufai did not go to the PDP is because he can’t dictate things there, but he told the world that the chairman of SDP is his friend. So they went there because they want to dictate.”
El-Rufai announced his departure from the APC on Monday, citing “conflicting values” with the ruling party.
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By Abubakar Yunusa
Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, should face impeachment if he violates the constitution.
Speaking at the media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said politics should not be taken lightly and that removing the governor would not be a criminal offence.
“Politics is not play. If you have committed an offence to be impeached, what’s wrong? Is it a criminal offence? It’s provided in the constitution. Am I a member of the assembly?” Wike asked.
“If you have committed an infraction of the constitution, and the assembly deems it fit to say you should be impeached.
“I have heard people say, ‘Oh, if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order.’ Rubbish! Nothing will happen.”
While defending his commitment to legal procedures and fairness, Wike questioned how a handful of legislators could pass laws and expect them to be recognised as valid.
“I cannot believe that in this country, we are now at the point where Nigerians are talking about where three members of the house will sit and make a law, and they are talking about going to the supreme court,” he said.
“Speakers and assembly members are not our children; they were elected; they are not your boys or your girls.
“You sit with them and play with them. I travelled with my speakers, and I created relationships. It’s not a master-servant thing.”
On Monday, Tony Okocha, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state, asked Fubara to resign or face impeachment proceedings.
Okocha said that the recent supreme court ruling on the state’s political crisis is final, describing Fubara’s invitation to the Martin Amaewhule-led assembly faction for a meeting as a “Greek gift”.
BACKGROUND
Rivers has been enmeshed in political crisis following the conflict between Fubara and Wike.
On February 28, the supreme court affirmed the judgment of a federal high court that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the accountant-general of the federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers state.
The supreme court also nullified the local government election held in Rivers state on October 5, 2024.
Fubara had promised to comply with the judgment of the apex court.
On Sunday, the Rivers governor invited the Amaewhule-led house of assembly members to a meeting scheduled for Monday.
Fubara’s invitation was viewed as a step towards resolving the Rivers assembly crisis that began in 2023.
The FCT minister, however, criticised Fubara for writing to the state house of assembly, stating that he should have called Amaewhule and his team to arrange a meeting. He also described the letter from Fubara as “useless”.